Launton Sports Devs 2-4 Cropredy Devs

Cropredy went into this game knowing a tough test would be in store for them, having suffered a 2-1 defeat at Launton early on in last season. Both teams went in on a good run of form. The home side, despite defeat in the county cup last week, had won their last three league games, whilst Cropredy had won their last four.

For Cropredy, with no game next week, and the Clarendon Cup game the week after, it was hugely important to get another 3 points on the board, before a break from league games. November will also see several cup games for Crop.

Despite a number of absentees again, Manager Reading was able to name a consistent side, with just two changes. Curtly Street returned in goal, after a run out for the First Team last week, whilst Ben Smithers slotted in to the defence in place of skipper Corey Phillips who was missing for this one. Hugo Caldeira returned to the squad, whilst Izzy Liverpool came on to the bench after the Firsts game was called off.

With no appointed league referee, Launton Co-Manager Jamie Davies took the whistle for the game.

First half

Setting up with a 352, Launton began the game well, pressing Cropredy high and forcing them to play on the counterattack. Despite starting under the cosh, Cropredy did fashion the best chance of the early stages, as Damien Robertson was set through on goal, but the home keeper pulled off a great save to deny him.

Despite the pressure, Cropredy were able to limit Sports to mostly half chances, giving away plenty of corners and set pieces in the process. Launton best chance came from an effort from wide of the area, but Street got down well to tip the effort on to the near post, then smoother at the second time of asking.

Crop done well to get through this tough period and began to come into the game the more the half went on, and did manage to take the lead with just minutes remaining before the interval. After missing the earlier chance, Robertson did make amends. The ball found him on the edge of the box, and his effort took a deflection off the defender, helping it on it’s way into the far corner beyond the stranded keeper.

Tough one for Launton to take. Both sides probably happy at that stage to go into the interval at 0-0, but Cropredy fortunate to take the late lead.

Half time – Launton Sports Devs 0-1 Cropredy Devs

Cropredy started the second half at blistering pace and found themselves 2 up within the first minute. Robertson was set through one on one down the left flank, and this time showed great composure to slot past the keeper in to the far corner and stun the home side. 0-2.

Launton continued to press high and use their wing backs, whilst Cropredy spurred a few more half chances to extend their lead. Launton came back in to the game on 55 minutes and got one back. A nice counter attack after Crop gave away possession saw what looked like a tame effort from 25 yards, take a horrible bounce off the surface which caused the ball to bobble up over the outstretch arms of Curtly Street and in to the corner.

Crop responded by moving Mo Samasa into midfield to give some extra energy, with Liverpool coming on at left back replacing Harvey. Cropredy did though stupidly shoot themselves in the foot to concede another minutes later and allow the home side to draw level. Cropredy pushed too many men forward for an attack, that then broke down. Launton attacked at speed, outnumbering the away sides defence, ending with a superb ball into the area from the right, being put in to his own net by Sam Roberts. With the striker about to tap the ball home from a few yards out, Roberts left with little option but to try and clear it.

Launton thought they had then taken the lead, after having the ball in the net again, but the ball was adjudged to had gone out of play, before being squared for a tap in. They also had a great effort from outside the area which was tipped over the bar at full stretch by Street.

This was a wake up call for Crop, and they started to attack again with intent. The fresh legs of Liverpool down the left made a difference, and he combined well with the a number of players before finding Robertson, who made a jinking run before firing home to grab his hattrick and put Crop back ahead.

Cropredy introduced Caldeira and Gilbert for some more fresh legs for the final stages, but it was the ever-energetic Samasa who was heavily involved and got the assist for the next goal on 82’. He played a lovely left footed pass out to Robertson, who raced past a tired defence, and finished smartly into the far corner on his left foot, to get his and his sides fourth. 2-4.

The away side then done just enough to see the game out in the closing stages, and take another 3 points, making it 5 in a row now, and moves them level on points with top of the table Kennington Res.

Full time - Launton Sports Devs 2-4 Cropredy Devs

Another important win for Crop, especially with a break from league action now until November. Launton will feel hard done by, and arguably done enough on the day to get something from the game.

Thanks to Jamie Davies for stepping in to ref. Never easy but did a fine job in the middle. Also, thanks to the host for their hospitality, and for providing food after the game. Much appreciated as always.

After a week off, it’s Clarendon Cup action next up, where Crop will once again face Launton, but this time at Williamscot Road on the 30th October. Launton will come into it looking for a revenge for this defeat, so we expect a great encounter.

All eyes on the First Team next week, who welcome Easington Sports to Williamscot Road for their Oxfordshire Senior Cup tie, 1.30pm KO. We’re hopeful of a good crowd for that one, with the bar being open during the match.

Man of the match – Damien Robertson

Damo edges it this week, but a special mention goes to Ben Smithers who slotted in at right back this week and put in a very consistent display throughout. The youngster has already put in some great performances this season, and become a key member of the squad.

Despite his early one on one miss, Robertson went on to grab 4 today and win Cropredy the points, making it five in his first two appearances for the club, since joining from Banbury Utd Devs. We look forward to him grabbing plenty more goals as the season goes on, hopefully helping us to challenge for the league and some cups as we go.

Up The Crop!